Today's saint is the patron of Chile! 🌍
Dear Friend, Do you carry sorrow in your heart today? Perhaps you remember a time when you did, or maybe you know someone right now who is in the throes of sadness and grief. In today's Minute Meditation, author Maureen O'Brien offers solace from a time-honored source: the Psalms. I hope her words embolden your heart. We here at Franciscan Media want to accompany you no matter what curveballs or surprises life throws in your path. Our daily offerings, such as Saint the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause+Pray, can help. And on our website, we offer thousands of pages of content that can help you dig even deeper into your faith. If you enjoy these daily inspirations sent to your inbox every morning, we humbly ask you to consider making a donation to Franciscan Media today. Without your help, our work would not be possible. And please know that we will continue to pray for you every day at morning prayer! And may God give you peace! Daniel Imwalle Managing Editor |
Saint of the Day for July 16: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Listen to The Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Here Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. Reflection The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the Patron Saint of: Chile
|
Bring Your Sorrows to God The psalms repeatedly encourage us to tell the truth of how hard life can be. “How long Lord? Will you utterly forget me? How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day?” (Ps 13:1-3). Can you bring your deepest sorrow directly to God today? See if, after doing so, your heart can now pivot and be filled with peace. —from Franciscan Media’s “Seven Days with the Psalms“
by Maureen O’Brien |
Seeking Serenity Reflect When headlines of injustice weigh us down, where do we turn? This week, I had a conversation with a dear friend about the state of the world, and we ended up agreeing about the power of the Serenity Prayer: “The prayer doesn’t say ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, unless those things happen to be upsetting world events’.” We found comfort together in this prayer that upholds that no matter what is going on, no matter what issues we cannot change, we can still seek serenity. Pray When the world seems
overshadowed with despair
a line from this trusted prayer
can break through
like a sudden rectangle of sun.
Guide us today, God,
to return to words
we already know.
Finding renewal, waiting right here.
May we reach out
and touch their hope and their light. Act Today, I will let go. I will repeat this familiar prayer throughout my day, seeking both serenity and acceptance. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Maureen O'Brien. Learn more here! |
|
